889 prisoners were released under the program for licensed prisoners
Through the Licensed Release of Prisoners Programme (PBSL), which included the PBSL Ihsan Madani ‘A Long-Awaited Return,’ 889 prisoners from Bentong Prison and Penor Prison were freed last year.
606 inmates were freed from Penor Prison, while 283 inmates were released from Bentong Prison. There was also the release of 39 female prisoners from Bentong Prison.
According to Datuk Abu Hasan Hussain, director of the Pahang Prisons Department, the PBSL program releases four to five prisoners for a variety of offenses at least twice a month.
He went on to say that seven release programs, including those that fell on Aidilfitri, Aidiladha, Deepavali, Chinese New Year, Independence Day, and Gawai Dayak, were staged last year for the Ihsan Madani release. The number of inmates released for each program varied from seven to twenty.
He asserts that the annual PBSL program aims to give inmates who behave well the opportunity for early release. Additionally, they can join their relatives in celebrating holidays.
Penor Prison and Bentong Prison currently house 5,500 inmates serving terms for a variety of offenses.
The PBSL and PBSL Ihsan Madani’s “Long-Awaited Return” programs can help alleviate overcrowding at these two Pahang prisons.
When approached here yesterday, he stated, “Many male and female inmates involved in various offenses like drug addiction, theft, robbery, and failure to pay fines are released every month.”
He claimed that in order to give inmates employment prospects after their release, prison officials consistently cooperate with private businesses across a range of industries.
Every time a PBSL program is conducted, businesses are willing to hire the ex-offenders.
Abu Hasan expressed his hope that families and the society will welcome ex-offenders in order to prevent them from engaging in illegal activity again.
Additionally, he mentioned that a large number of both male and female inmates convicted of drug addiction are repeat offenders. Some inmates have spent up to twelve periods in and out of prison.
“In certain instances, families appear to be unsupportive of ex-offenders, even disowning them and preventing them from returning back to their homes.
“I hope families can get back together and create a loving family, trusting everyone involved to have a chance to create a better future.
He stated, “If these individuals are left without direction and family guidance, it is not impossible for them to return to unhealthy activities and be subsequently arrested by the authorities,” with the expectation that more inmates would be released this year through the Penor Prison and Bentong Prison PBSL program.